William Bethards “Coach Pappy”

With great sadness, Coach Pappy William "Mike" Bethards passed peacefully while napping on Nov. 22, 2023. He is a loving husband, a wonderful dad/grandpa, and an amazing coach and teacher.

He entered the Navy in the early 70's. He was a hospital corp man and rescued hikers/climbers off the mountains in California. He was later stationed in Pensacola, Fl. where he started his passion of coaching football. He volunteered several years with Belleview Sports complex. Where he coached several football teams and his girls softball teams.

He then moved back to his Hometown of Benton, Ar in the late 1980s. He volunteered over 25+ years with numerous organizations throughout Saline County (Future Panthers Football, Benton Kiwanis Club, First United Methodist Church youth program and several other organizations throughout Saline County.) Dedicating over 15 years with Future Panther organization, He provided many kids in this community with the fundamentals and love for all the sports he coached. He believes in encouraging and supporting kids every step of the way. He is a very good man and very proud of all of his family members.

His family is need of a little help covering the cost of his funeral during this hard time. Please Share this with all friends and family in Saline County Arkansas. Also, Ashby's Funeral Home will take payments directly if you would like to donate that.

To all the kids that Dad coached over the years he always talked and told stories about you guys. He loved to see you smile and love to see you succeed.

Please do one simple act of kindness in rememberance of Coach Pappy. ❤️